Fire to Participate in 2013 Carolina Challenge Cup

CHICAGO, Ill. (Nov. 13, 2012) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Tuesday the club will participate in the 2013 Carolina Challenge Cup, hosted by the United Soccer Leagues’ Charleston Battery. The Fire will report to Toyota Park for Preseason Camp on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013.

Set to be played at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C. from February 16 through February 23, the Fire will join the Battery, and two MLS sides to be named later for three matches on Feb. 16, 20 and 23 for the 10th edition of the United States’ premier preseason tournament.

In the 2012 edition, the Men in Red went 1-1-0 in the round robin competition, falling 1-0 to D.C. United before defeating the Columbus Crew 1-0. The third match against the Charleston Battery was cancelled due to severe thunderstorms.

The Fire previously played two close Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup encounters with the third division side, downing the Battery 1-0 in extra time on August 25, 2004 at Cardinal Stadium in Naperville, Ill. before drawing 0-0 and eventually falling on penalties on June 30, 2010. The Battery were crowned 2012 USL Pro champions with a 1-0 win against the Wilmington Hammerheads Sept. 8.